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Psychotropic drug use in a representative community sample: the Upper Bavarian study
M M Fichter1, W Witzke, K Leibl
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Munich, Federal Republic of Germany.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|July 1, 1989
Summary
This study surveyed 1979 adults on psychotropic medication use. Benzodiazepine use was most common, with higher usage linked to older age, female sex, and increased health issues.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Psychotropic medication use is prevalent in community settings.
- Understanding patterns of use and associated factors is crucial for public health.
- Assessing health status alongside medication consumption provides a holistic view.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of psychotropic medication use in a community sample.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with psychotropic drug consumption.
- To examine the relationship between medication use and health status.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 1979 community residents aged 15 and above.
- In-home interviews conducted by a psychiatrically trained physician.
- Direct inspection of subjects' medical supplies to verify medication use.
Main Results:
- 6.9% of subjects used benzodiazepines, 3.6% used barbiturates, and 2.2% used opioids in the preceding 4 weeks.
- Neuroleptics (1.8%), antidepressants (1.5%), carbamine-acid derivatives (0.8%), and lithium (0.1%) were also used.
- High psychotropic medication use correlated with older age, female sex, psychiatric and somatic morbidity, reduced work capacity, and higher neuroticism.
Conclusions:
- Benzodiazepines were the most frequently used psychotropic drugs in this community sample.
- Psychotropic medication use is associated with several health and demographic factors, particularly in older females with higher morbidity.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and monitoring of psychotropic drug consumption in vulnerable populations.